Engine management light

kerbut · May 8, 2018, 17:54

The light has been for the past 12 years, car always passes on emissions, but as from 20 May if the light is on its a fail , 1 , how do you get the bulb out ? , 2, can it be switched off with the plugin box thing I have ? . I think its the Lambada sensors up the creek but the car only does 750 to 1000 miles a year so really dont justify replacing them.

Carolyn · May 8, 2018, 18:30

if you disable the light, the tester will see that it isn't illuminating when the car is switched on. If it is the same standard as, say, as ABS light, that will also be a fail, I'm afraid.

Often, the light is on because of failed heaters in the O2 sensors.

There is a 'fix', whereby you solder a resistor across the wires for the sensor heater, and that will overcome the problem.

I think the required resistance is 3 ohms, and it needs to be quite chunky.

'M1tch' is your man for the scoop on this one.

All of that is only of any help IF the light is no because of sensor heaters. A code reader will tell you exactly why the light is on. (The plug in box thing??) You can clear the code, but it will be back!

shnazzle · May 8, 2018, 19:36

Or get a working 2nd hand sensor from or sensors from a breaker for 12.50 delivered. Easier than soldering resistors and allows the car to work as designed.

paulj · May 8, 2018, 19:42

What Shnazzle said, a cheap fix is your best option. Rather than play with resistors I put my money into a replacement sensor when one failed.

kerbut · May 9, 2018, 09:52

I think I will bite the bullet and put in 2 new ones (or is it 3 on a pfl) the car has not cost anything over the years (except for oil at an alarming rate ). Thanks for your help.

shnazzle · May 9, 2018, 09:59

There's 3, the one before the main cat is different (longer wire).
Dick Sloan (see the Breakers section for details) will prob do you a deal for 3

kerbut · May 9, 2018, 10:13

Ok thanks , just been to look at mine and the lower one nearest the back wheel has had the wire cut at some time, I dont know when as the car has been in the family since new. Luckily it has been cut nearest the sensor, so am hoping the plug is still there.

shnazzle · May 9, 2018, 10:31

Quote from: kerbut on May 9, 2018, 10:13
Ok thanks , just been to look at mine and the lower one nearest the back wheel has had the wire cut at some time, I dont know when as the car has been in the family since new. Luckily it has been cut nearest the sensor, so am hoping the plug is still there.

That's one way! Haha
Yeah I yoy really just need to replace them.

The wire they've cut is just on the sensor. It plugs into the harness behind the passenger rear light so chances are that's still there

kerbut · May 9, 2018, 10:38

Thanks , you answered my question before I asked it, I have just ordered one from Rutlandmr2 and will start off with that one and if the light is still on will replace the other2

Carolyn · May 9, 2018, 10:39

Get yourself a plumber's torch.
That sensor has been in there for a long time, it will be reluctant to leave home. There are special socket tools for sensors (see ebay) but you might be needing a breaker bar and long six sided socket (if you have one) or short six sided socket and cut most of the sensor off...
Heat will make a big difference.
Plus start soaking in Plusgas

have fun!

kerbut · May 9, 2018, 11:43

Thanks , I have oxy / acetylene, breakers bar, 22 mm deep socket, sensor removal socket (in this case refit socket) and Plus Gas. Tomorrow will tell !. Gave it a dose of Plus Gas earlier and will give another later, I take it I leave the shroud around the pipe on as it looks if there is room to get the socket in.

kerbut · May 10, 2018, 12:28

I must have been lucky, gave it 2 lots of Plus Gas yesterday, this morning though I will try it first without heat and hey presto it unscrewed easily!, luckily the plug is still there behind the n/s rear light.